Americans now only work to make payments on bare essentials
to living. This is in stark contrast to the origin of our country when settlers
sought life happiness through gaining independence and prosperity. Later on, we
had the American dream to look forward to; house, car and a good retirement. As
it stands today we own less of our so called assets and continue to make money
only to send it to debtors or creditors. In fact we physically handle very
little money as most of the transactions in our lives are numbers on a screen. This
in my opinion creates a problem as we do not see the true fruits of our labor.
The Encomienda system was a way for Spain to settle the
America’s by using labor of the indigenous people on the new world in exchange
for teaching them religion and education. What really it was is a form of legal
slavery. How does this relate to modern times? Most Americans do have
productive jobs that create and sustain our way of life. In return, we are
granted by the Banks the ability to live in houses that are too big for our
needs, drive cars that are way to extravagant and eat meals that are overpriced
and can be cooked at home. We even teach young promising Americans how to acquire
debt from an early age with college loans. Essentially we work to survive and
not to get ahead.
Our country is dominated essentially by four banks. If you
look at the list of wealthiest banks in this country the top 4 are far ahead of
any others on the list. They account for over 7 trillion dollars in worth. Here
is the list I found- http://www.forbes.com/sites/halahtouryalai/2012/03/26/americas-biggest-banks-bank-of-america-fails-to-win-back-top-spot/
Sadly we celebrate the greed of these banks rather than
analyze what makes them so big. In reality the land acquired back in the real
estate crash of 2008, or as I call it the intended consolidation of banking
power, enabled this surge of power. It is not the amount of paper money that
makes these banks strong rather the actual ownership of land. If you go back in
history, land ownership was always the basis for power in Europe, Asia and the
rest of the world. If you need evidence of just how little amount of land
common folk own go ask at least 10 people you know if they own their homes out
right. I am willing to bet none of them do and I even venture to guess one of
the 4 super banks hold the deed to most of their homes.
So what does this all mean? Do not over extend on what you
owe. Here is a list on what type of debt the American family endures as of July
2012- http://www.statisticbrain.com/american-family-financial-statistics/
. How do we do reduce our personal debt? Get a home that really fits your
needs. Finance the best rate going and always manage the equity and never lend
against it. Get the full life of a vehicle and get a vehicle that once again
fits your need. The dinning and shopping habits will be something you need to
manage based on what is left over. I know for example you can make fried rice
for 50 cents at home and feel good about it or pay 8 dollars in the Chinese restaurants.
I do realize it is tough to make those calls though because you still have to
enjoy your life as much as possible. Remember, America was founded on dreams
and hope; we must not become a society of indentured servants if we have not
already.
